Sierra Leone’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation and Chair of the ECOWAS Council of Ministers, Alhaji Timothy Musa Kabba, on Thursday, 16 July 2026, opened the 96th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Council of Ministers at the Bintumani International Conference Centre in Aberdeen, Freetown.
The meeting, held ahead of the 69th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, brought together Foreign Ministers, Heads of Delegation, Commissioners, Ambassadors, Permanent Representatives, development partners, diplomats and representatives of ECOWAS institutions.
Addressing delegates, Minister Alhaji Timothy Musa Kabba called on West African leaders to strengthen regional unity and cooperation in confronting the political, economic and security challenges facing the sub-region.
Welcoming participants to Sierra Leone, he described the gathering as a moment in the history of ECOWAS and expressed appreciation for the confidence placed in Sierra Leone to lead the Council during a critical period.
The Minister noted that Sierra Leone does not take its leadership responsibility lightly, recalling the country’s sacrifices for regional peace and stability and reaffirming its commitment to the objectives of the regional body.
He acknowledged that ECOWAS has made progress since its establishment in 1975, particularly in promoting regional integration, facilitating the free movement of people and goods, advancing economic cooperation and supporting peace and security.
However, he warned that the region continues to face challenges, including geopolitical uncertainty, climate change, youth unemployment, gender inequality, food insecurity, terrorism, violent extremism, transnational organized crime, irregular migration and unconstitutional changes of Government.
He stressed that the strength of ECOWAS lies not only in its institutions, but also in the unity, solidarity and political will of its members.
According to him upholding those principles would help ECOWAS preserve peace, strengthen democratic governance, deepen economic integration and improve the lives of more than 400 million citizens across West Africa.
The Minister said the agenda covers issues affecting the future of the Community, including institutional reforms, regional peace and security, infrastructure development, trade, investment, humanitarian concerns and implementation of decisions taken by the Authority of Heads of State and Government.
Minister Alhaji Timothy Musa Kabba therefore urged delegates to remain guided by the founding principles of ECOWAS, including democratic governance, constitutional order, peaceful settlement of disputes, good neighbourliness and regional economic integration.
He reminded participants that their deliberations would determine whether ECOWAS rises to meet the expectations of West Africans or allows insecurity, poverty, inequality and injustice to persist.
The Minister informed that citizens expect a responsive, united and innovative ECOWAS capable of addressing emerging challenges while delivering tangible benefits in peace, security, economic opportunity and social progress.
He encouraged delegations to participate constructively during the two-day meeting, stressing that discussions should be inclusive, transparent, focused and results-oriented.
The Chair of the ECOWAS Council of Ministers said the Council must go beyond declarations and produce practical recommendations that respond to the aspirations of the people and strengthen regional institutions.
Reaffirming Sierra Leone’s commitment to regional integration, he highlighted the leadership of President Julius Maada Bio, who serves as Chair of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government.
He said Sierra Leone remains committed to peacebuilding, democratic governance, gender equality, youth empowerment, human capital development and sustainable economic transformation throughout the region.
Reflecting on Sierra Leone’s journey from conflict to peace, Minister Alhaji Timothy Musa Kabba said the country’s experience demonstrates that dialogue, solidarity and mutual respect remain effective pathways to lasting peace and development.
Concluding his remarks, the Chair of the 96th Ordinary Session of Council of Ministers, Alhaji Timothy Musa Kabba, thanked delegates for attending and encouraged them to experience Sierra Leone’s hospitality and cultural heritage during their stay.
He officially declared the session open and called for wisdom, mutual respect and renewed commitment to advancing the interests of West Africa and its people.
Earlier, President of the ECOWAS Commission, H.E. Dr. Omar Alieu Touray, reflected on the achievements and challenges of his four-year tenure, describing regional unity, institutional reforms and economic integration as essential to West Africa’s future.
He also commended Sierra Leone’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Alhaji Timothy Musa Kabba, for his leadership as Chair of the Council, saying the Council had continued to provide strategic direction and oversight in implementing ECOWAS programmes and policies.
The Commission President noted that the meeting was significant because it was the final ordinary session of the Council of Ministers he would address in his capacity.
Reflecting on his tenure, H.E. Dr. Omar Alieu Touray said the Commission had worked closely with Member States and the Council to advance the vision of ECOWAS despite unprecedented regional and global challenges.
He cited political transitions, growing security threats, economic uncertainty, a fragile international environment and the withdrawal of three Member States as difficulties confronting the organization.
Despite those challenges, he said the Commission remained committed to implementing decisions of the Authority, preserving institutional stability, maintaining dialogue and ensuring continuity of programmes.
H.E. Dr. Omar Alieu Touray highlighted reforms that strengthened governance, accountability and institutional performance, including the operationalization of the Permanent Representatives Committee as an advisory body to the Council.
He also mentioned the completion of a joint border post between Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana, the establishment of the ECOWAS Business Council under Aliko Dangote and the relocation of the Commission to its new headquarters in Abuja.
According to him, those milestones demonstrate the determination of Member States to build stronger institutions capable of serving West Africans more effectively.
He urged Member States to build on the momentum of ECOWAS’ 50th anniversary by translating the organization’s vision into practical actions.
The Commission President said the Council would consider the 2026 Interim Report on the State of the Community, ECOWAS’ financial position, implementation of previous decisions and reports from statutory committees.
The meeting will also examine initiatives on digital transformation, investment promotion, cultural cooperation, gender equality, telecommunications, agriculture, trade, science, innovation and relations with the Alliance of Sahel States.
H.E. Dr. Omar Alieu Touray expressed gratitude to Member States, development partners, commissioners, heads of institutions and ECOWAS staff, saying progress achieved during his tenure resulted from collective effort.
He concluded by expressing confidence that ECOWAS possesses the resilience, institutional capacity and political will required to advance peace, stability, economic integration and sustainable development across West Africa.
